Inviting Family Members

When international students or scholars (hereinafter, “supporter”) invite their family (spouse/children) to stay in Japan for three months or more, the family members need to obtain a Dependent Visa before coming to Japan.
Supporters residing in Japan must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the Immigration Services Agency before obtaining this visa.
The COE usually takes two to four weeks to be issued. Once received, the COE can be sent to family in their home country.

If the family submits the COE along with their visa application at an overseas Japanese embassy or consulate, it will significantly shorten the processing time. Without the COE, it may take two to three months.

For a short-term stay of less than three months, the family can visit Japan under a Short-Term Stay visa.
If they hold a passport from a country or region with a visa exemption arrangement, they do not need to apply for a Short-Term Stay visa in advance.

For details, please check the website of the Immigration Services Agency:

Required documents:

Please check the website of the Immigration Services Agency for the latest information.

1. Application for the COE (for a Dependent Visa)
2. Photos (one photo per family member) for applying (4cm x 3cm)
   *Photos must have been taken within the last three months prior to the application date.
3. Self-addressed stamped envelope (*SASE)
4. Official documents proving relationships
   (e.g., spouse: a copy of the marriage certificate, children: a copy of the birth certificate)
5. A copy of the residence card or passport of the supporter in Japan
6. Documents (below) to confirm the occupation and income of the supporter
   (1) Certificate of enrollment/student status, certificate of employment, etc.
   (2) Documents certifying financial capacity (e.g., bank statement, scholarship award letter, employment contract, taxation certificate, etc.)
   *If the supporter has income in Japan, a taxation (or tax exemption) certificate for resident tax and a certificate of tax payment issued by the municipal office are also required. Either certificate is acceptable, provided it includes both the total annual income and the tax payment status.

*Additional documents may be required at the discretion of the Immigration Services Agency.